Regional Update, Influenza. Epidemiological Week 1 (19 January 2022)  

ABSTRACT

[WEEKLY SUMMARY] North America Overall, influenza activity remained low but increasing, while SARS-CoV-2 activity increased. In Canada, influenza A and B virus co-circulated with influenza A(H3N2) and A(H1N1)pdm09; SARS-CoV-2 activity slightly increased. In Mexico, influenza A(H3N2) prevailed, with B co-circulating and SARS-CoV-2 activity increased at moderate levels. In the United States, influenza A(H3N2) predominated, with SARS-CoV-2 activity increasing, hospitalizations and deaths remained elevated. Respiratory syncytial virus activity remained high in Canada and Mexico. Caribbean Influenza remained at low activity levels. SARS-CoV-2 activity increased in Jamaica with increased number of pneumonia cases and SARI hospitalizations. In Suriname, SARS-CoV-2 and SARI activity continued at low levels. Central America Influenza activity continued to increase and SARS-CoV-2 activity decreased to low levels overall. In Guatemala and Honduras, influenza activity increased with the predominance of influenza A(H3N2), and low SARS-CoV-2 circulation; while SARS-CoV-2 activity increased in Costa Rica. RSV activity decreased in the subregion. Andean Overall, influenza activity remained low and SARS-CoV-2 activity continued at low levels; however, Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru reported increased influenza activity associated with A(H3N2) detections. SARS-CoV-2 activity stands elevated in Bolivia and Ecuador; and in Bolivia, SARI activity was recorded at extraordinary levels. Brazil and Southern Cone Influenza activity increased to pre-pandemic levels, and SARS-CoV-2 activity continues at low levels, except in Argentina. Influenza A(H3N2) detections continue to rise in Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Most activity and increasing A(H3N2) detections are recorded in Brazil and Chile.